Microsoft India and the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to support Indian space sector start-ups. This comes at a time when there are more than 110 space sector start-ups that are formally registered with the Government-run IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre). After the Indian Government opened up the space sector to private firms and permitted them the carry out end-to-end space activities, there has been significant growth in Indian space startups.&nbsp;

Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, said, "Space-tech startups in India are playing a significant role in advancing the country’s space capabilities with the power of technology. We are pleased to collaborate with ISRO to accelerate this transformation of what’s possible in space. Through our technology tools, platforms and mentorship opportunities, we are deeply committed to empowering space-tech startups in the country to drive cutting edge innovation and accelerate scientific discovery."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-third-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-almost-ready-launch-in-june-july-isro-chairman-549705">&nbsp;India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman</a>

According to the tech giant, through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, space-tech startup founders in India will have free access to the tech tools, and resources they need to build and run their businesses. This includes technical support to build and scale on Azure, best-in-class developer and productivity tools including GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and Microsoft 365, and access to smart analytics with Power BI and Dynamics 365.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sivakumar-nadesan-awarded-2023-pravasi-bharatiya-samman-award-for-upliftment-of-indian-origin-tamils-in-lanka-549557">Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka</a>

“ISRO’s collaboration with Microsoft will greatly benefit space tech startups in their analysis and processing of vast amounts of satellite data for various applications, using cutting-edge methods like AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning. The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a useful platform for bringing together startups and providers of technology solutions to support the national space technology ecosystem. We are pleased to work together to assist and support entrepreneurs, to in turn benefit the Indian economy as a whole" Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO said.&nbsp;

It was also added that Microsoft and ISRO will also jointly organise knowledge-sharing and thought leadership sessions for the startups with space industry experts. Further, the collaboration will support founders with go-to-market strategies, technical support and opportunities to sell their solutions via Microsoft channels and the marketplace.

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Microsoft India and the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to support Indian space sector start-ups. This comes at a time when there are more than 110 space sector start-ups that are formally registered with the Government-run IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre).

Microsoft India and the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to support Indian space sector start-ups. This comes at a time when there are more than 110 space sector start-ups that are formally registered with the Government-run IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre). After the Indian Government opened up the space sector to private firms and permitted them the carry out end-to-end space activities, there has been significant growth in Indian space startups. Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, said, "Space-tech startups in India are playing a significant role in advancing the country’s space capabilities with the power of technology. We are pleased to collaborate with ISRO to accelerate this transformation of what’s possible in space. Through our technology tools, platforms and mentorship opportunities, we are deeply committed to empowering space-tech startups in the country to drive cutting edge innovation and accelerate scientific discovery." Also read | India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman According to the tech giant, through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, space-tech startup founders in India will have free access to the tech tools, and resources they need to build and run their businesses. This includes technical support to build and scale on Azure, best-in-class developer and productivity tools including GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and Microsoft 365, and access to smart analytics with Power BI and Dynamics 365. Also read | Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka “ISRO’s collaboration with Microsoft will greatly benefit space tech startups in their analysis and processing of vast amounts of satellite data for various applications, using cutting-edge methods like AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning. The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a useful platform for bringing together startups and providers of technology solutions to support the national space technology ecosystem. We are pleased to work together to assist and support entrepreneurs, to in turn benefit the Indian economy as a whole" Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO said. It was also added that Microsoft and ISRO will also jointly organise knowledge-sharing and thought leadership sessions for the startups with space industry experts. Further, the collaboration will support founders with go-to-market strategies, technical support and opportunities to sell their solutions via Microsoft channels and the marketplace. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Microsoft and ISRO team up to support Indian space-tech startups

"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.. She is the one who plucks the tea leaf that the Queen or King of England drinks! Yet, she does not know that.. We have been striving hard to give them better living conditions", says Sivakumar Nadesan, President of the Global Organisation of the People of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. Nadesan is a recipient of the 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honour conferred by the Indian Government on the country's diaspora.&nbsp;

The award that has been announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is a recognition of Nadesan's efforts towards the welfare of the Indian Tamil community, an economically disadvantaged and neglected minority community in the island nation of Sri Lanka. He actively promotes business and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in inviting many Indian artists to perform in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-trains-31-foreign-engineers-in-nanosatellite-building-547145">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building</a>

"We have been looking at the issue of Indian origin Tamils (IOTs), who came here 200 years ago and worked on the tea plantations, railways, roads.They (IOTs) were brought here by the British and they developed Sri Lanka to the extent that the country was known. Our first roads and railways were laid by the IOTs. There were coffee plantations originally and then it got wiped out owing to a disease affecting the plant. Then the tea plantation workers began planting tea bushes", Nadesan highlights the contributions of the community that he and his organization have been striving for.

Providing better living conditions, education, housing, healthcare, and nutrition and creating awareness about the same among the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka, are his key focus areas. He also looks forward to working with the Indian Government to provide housing for the Indian Tamil population in the island nation. He also hopes to negotiate with the Indian Government to set up classrooms, science labs, a nursing school and a university, in addition to the hospital that India has already provided. Among his projects is also to create&nbsp;of a museum to chronicle the history of the Indian Tamil community and their culture and traditions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-first-project-to-conserve-endangered-mountain-goat-nilgiri-tahr-547440">Also read |&nbsp;India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr'</a>

Nadesan is the second Sri Lankan national to be conferred the PBSA and he has been selected for his work in the realm of 'Community Welfare'. The PBSA jury is chaired by Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S&nbsp;Jaishankar. The 17th&nbsp;edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) Convention is to be held between 8-10th&nbsp;January at Indore, Madhya Pradesh and the awards will be conferred by the Indian president. A total of 27 awardees from across categories will be receiving the awards, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Sivakumar Nadesan has been serving as the Managing Director of Express Newspapers Ceylon Limited and as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

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"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.

"If you hear the word Ceylon (Sri Lankan) tea, you must see the picture of the tea plucker (lady), that plucker is of Indian origin...Yet, this woman is not recognised at all.. She is the one who plucks the tea leaf that the Queen or King of England drinks! Yet, she does not know that.. We have been striving hard to give them better living conditions", says Sivakumar Nadesan, President of the Global Organisation of the People of Indian origin in Sri Lanka. Nadesan is a recipient of the 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), the highest honour conferred by the Indian Government on the country's diaspora. The award that has been announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is a recognition of Nadesan's efforts towards the welfare of the Indian Tamil community, an economically disadvantaged and neglected minority community in the island nation of Sri Lanka. He actively promotes business and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka and has been instrumental in inviting many Indian artists to perform in Sri Lanka. Also read | Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building "We have been looking at the issue of Indian origin Tamils (IOTs), who came here 200 years ago and worked on the tea plantations, railways, roads.They (IOTs) were brought here by the British and they developed Sri Lanka to the extent that the country was known. Our first roads and railways were laid by the IOTs. There were coffee plantations originally and then it got wiped out owing to a disease affecting the plant. Then the tea plantation workers began planting tea bushes", Nadesan highlights the contributions of the community that he and his organization have been striving for. Providing better living conditions, education, housing, healthcare, and nutrition and creating awareness about the same among the Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka, are his key focus areas. He also looks forward to working with the Indian Government to provide housing for the Indian Tamil population in the island nation. He also hopes to negotiate with the Indian Government to set up classrooms, science labs, a nursing school and a university, in addition to the hospital that India has already provided. Among his projects is also to create of a museum to chronicle the history of the Indian Tamil community and their culture and traditions. Also read | India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr' Nadesan is the second Sri Lankan national to be conferred the PBSA and he has been selected for his work in the realm of 'Community Welfare'. The PBSA jury is chaired by Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) Convention is to be held between 8-10th January at Indore, Madhya Pradesh and the awards will be conferred by the Indian president. A total of 27 awardees from across categories will be receiving the awards, as per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Sivakumar Nadesan has been serving as the Managing Director of Express Newspapers Ceylon Limited and as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 is almost ready, the satellite has been fully integrated and its ruggedisation tests have been completed, Dr.S.Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) said.

He added that the launch would have to be carried out during a specific launch window (timeline) and the best suited opportunity would be between June and July 2023.&nbsp;The mission would be carried out by India's heaviest rocket, the&nbsp;Launch Vehicle Mark-3&nbsp;(LVM3).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-trains-31-foreign-engineers-in-nanosatellite-building-547145">Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building</a>

Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, mentioned that the mission goals of Chandryaan-3 are the same as that of its predecessor mission Chandrayaan-2 which was launched in 2019.

Speaking at the Indian Science Congress, he said that the primary objective is to carry out a safe Lunar landing and ensure that the on-board rover can exit the lander and travel on the Lunar surface.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india75-isro-indias-mighty-space-story-506859">ISRO — India's mighty space story</a>

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While the lander would probe the Lunar soil and perform atmospheric experiments, the rover would move around the Lunar surface to perform scientific tasks.&nbsp;

In 2019, the Chandryaan-2 mission could not&nbsp;make a controlled Lunar landing (it had crash landed). Following this, ISRO took multiple measures to ensure that the third Lunar mission could accomplish what its predecessor couldn't do. These measures include software changes, changes in the propulsion system, new sensors, ruggedisation to handle unexpected situations and failures. All these efforts will&nbsp;enhance the reliability of this mission, Somanath said.

Notably, the Chandrayaan-3 mission will only be carrying a Lunar lander and rover, unlike its predecessor which carried an orbiter, lander and rover.

According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is functional and continues to perform its imaging and remote sensing role from an altitude of 100kms above Lunar surface.&nbsp;

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India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 is almost ready, the satellite has been fully integrated and its ruggedisation tests have been completed, Dr.S.Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) said.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 is almost ready, the satellite has been fully integrated and its ruggedisation tests have been completed, Dr.S.Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) said. He added that the launch would have to be carried out during a specific launch window (timeline) and the best suited opportunity would be between June and July 2023. The mission would be carried out by India's heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). ALSO READ | Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, mentioned that the mission goals of Chandryaan-3 are the same as that of its predecessor mission Chandrayaan-2 which was launched in 2019. Speaking at the Indian Science Congress, he said that the primary objective is to carry out a safe Lunar landing and ensure that the on-board rover can exit the lander and travel on the Lunar surface. WATCH | ISRO — India's mighty space story × While the lander would probe the Lunar soil and perform atmospheric experiments, the rover would move around the Lunar surface to perform scientific tasks. In 2019, the Chandryaan-2 mission could not make a controlled Lunar landing (it had crash landed). Following this, ISRO took multiple measures to ensure that the third Lunar mission could accomplish what its predecessor couldn't do. These measures include software changes, changes in the propulsion system, new sensors, ruggedisation to handle unexpected situations and failures. All these efforts will enhance the reliability of this mission, Somanath said. Notably, the Chandrayaan-3 mission will only be carrying a Lunar lander and rover, unlike its predecessor which carried an orbiter, lander and rover. According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is functional and continues to perform its imaging and remote sensing role from an altitude of 100kms above Lunar surface. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman

The chief of the Mexican space agency has sought the support of India in building and launching a remote sensing satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will work on this proposal with the support of India's External Affairs Ministry.

This request from Mexico is part of the ongoing cooperation activities between India and Mexico in Earth observation. Remote sensing satellite is used to observe or gather data about a place or a phenomenon, without making physical contact with it. It is the exact opposite of on-site observation. Remote sensing has diverse applications including geology, oceanography, meteorology, military, intelligence-gathering etc.

The discussions were held during a virtual meeting between Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, and D. Salvador Landeros Ayala, Director General of Mexican Space Agency (AEM). Dr Pankaj Sharma, Indian Ambassador to Mexico and Gustavo A. Cabrera Rodriguez, Ambassador of Mexico for the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) also participated in the meeting.

<h2>Record number of migrants crossed English Channel to UK in 2022</h2>

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The Mexican official thanked the ISRO for developing a mobile application for forest fire monitoring and sharing it with Mexican Forest Department.

The Agencia Espacial Mexicana&nbsp;(AEM), Mexico's national space agency, was established in 2010 and aims to promote and coordinate education, R&amp;D of space-related activities that are performed in the country. The agency does not yet possess the capability to design and build spacefaring rockets and satellites.&nbsp;

The Department of Space, under the Government of India, has been providing training and capacity building in space science related technology,&nbsp;including&nbsp;satellite services to neighbouring small countries and other space-aspiring countries of the world.

Most recently, on November 26, 2022, India launched a jointly developed India-Bhutan SAT, on board a PSLV rocket. The satellite is capable of performing imaging, mapping of resources and helps is text-message based communications needs of Bhutan. A communication satellite ‘South Asia Satellite’ was dedicated by India to South Asian countries in 2017.

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The chief of the Mexican space agency has sought the support of India in building and launching a remote sensing satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will work on this proposal with the support of India's External Affairs Ministry.

The chief of the Mexican space agency has sought the support of India in building and launching a remote sensing satellite. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will work on this proposal with the support of India's External Affairs Ministry. This request from Mexico is part of the ongoing cooperation activities between India and Mexico in Earth observation. Remote sensing satellite is used to observe or gather data about a place or a phenomenon, without making physical contact with it. It is the exact opposite of on-site observation. Remote sensing has diverse applications including geology, oceanography, meteorology, military, intelligence-gathering etc. The discussions were held during a virtual meeting between Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, and D. Salvador Landeros Ayala, Director General of Mexican Space Agency (AEM). Dr Pankaj Sharma, Indian Ambassador to Mexico and Gustavo A. Cabrera Rodriguez, Ambassador of Mexico for the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE) also participated in the meeting. Record number of migrants crossed English Channel to UK in 2022 The Mexican official thanked the ISRO for developing a mobile application for forest fire monitoring and sharing it with Mexican Forest Department. The Agencia Espacial Mexicana (AEM), Mexico's national space agency, was established in 2010 and aims to promote and coordinate education, R&D of space-related activities that are performed in the country. The agency does not yet possess the capability to design and build spacefaring rockets and satellites. The Department of Space, under the Government of India, has been providing training and capacity building in space science related technology, including satellite services to neighbouring small countries and other space-aspiring countries of the world. Most recently, on November 26, 2022, India launched a jointly developed India-Bhutan SAT, on board a PSLV rocket. The satellite is capable of performing imaging, mapping of resources and helps is text-message based communications needs of Bhutan. A communication satellite ‘South Asia Satellite’ was dedicated by India to South Asian countries in 2017. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mexico seeks India's support in building and launching remote sensing satellite

The two years of pandemic lull had disrupted several high-profile missions and launch activities of the Indian Space Programme. However, 2022 is a year when the Indian space sector recovered from the setbacks and also celebrated many well-deserved firsts. The calendar year 2022 witnessed five launch missions, as opposed to two missions each in 2020 and 2021. WION brings to you the highlights of the Indian space sector in 2022 and the pathbreaking developments.&nbsp;

The first launch mission of 2022 "PSLV--C52" was carried out on February 14th, to orbit the EOS-04 or Earth Observation satellite 4. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry &amp; Plantations, Soil Moisture &amp; Hydrology and Flood mapping etc. Weighing about 1710 kg, the satellite has a mission life of 10 years.&nbsp;

The second launch mission of 2022 was executed on June 30th and it was done on a commercial basis for orbiting three satellites from Singapore. Dubbed "PSLV-C53", for the first-ever time the mission also demonstrated the use of the final stage of the rocket as an orbiting experimental platform or PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM). Generally, the fourth stage of the rocket ends up as space debris and this "POEM" method ensures better utilization of an in-space resource, by helping conduct onboard experiments. Notably, this mission also marked a return to normalcy, as ISRO permitted journalists to report on the launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre after a two-year-long COVID-induced break.&nbsp;

In the third mission of the year, the Indian space agency was attempting to launch its all-new rocket - Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). SSLV is a three-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuels alone, thus making it relatively simpler and faster to manufacture, assemble and launch. It is the fourth in the series of India's operational launch vehicles and this rocket is aimed at offering launch-on-demand services. While the rocket performed its role of injecting the satellites in orbit, a software error in the rocket (as determined by preliminary analysis) caused the satellites to be ejected in an unsustainable orbit. This meant that the ejected satellites were lost and the mission was unsuccessful.&nbsp;

On October 23rd, ahead of the festival of lights Diwali, ISRO launched India's heaviest rocket- LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 and the rocket carried its heaviest-ever payload. It was the first-ever commercial flight of the rocket, which has only been performing India's national missions since its maiden launch in 2017. 36 Internet communication satellites(weighing a total of approximately six&nbsp;tonnes) of UK-based firm OneWeb were launched successfully in Low Earth orbit by the LVM3. This marked a significant milestone as the LVM3 delivered successes in all five of its launches thus far. This mission and its follow-up launch will bring in Rs.1000cr in revenue to NSIL, which is ISRO's commercial arm.&nbsp;

ISRO's final launch of the calendar year 2022 was the PSLV C54, which carried India's OceanSat or EOS-06 and a passenger satellite known as BhutanSat. This mission also carried satellites built by Indian start-ups and foreign customers.&nbsp;

Private Sector in 2022

HAL-L&amp;T, a consortium of Government-run and privately-run Indian firms won the contract to build five PSLV rockets. This enables the industry to carry out the end-to-end production of a rocket that has been the mainstay of India's space launch activity. The consortium bagged the Rs.860cr contract from NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO.&nbsp;

In 2020, space sector reforms were rolled out by the Indian Government to facilitate end-to-end private participation in space activities. In simple terms, this meant that interested firms could design, develop, build and launch their own rockets, satellites and other space infrastructure from India. This was a radical step given that India's space sector has been dominated by the Government-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).&nbsp;

On November 18th, "Vikram-S" a sub-orbital rocket built by Indian start-up Skyroot Aerospace took the skies from India's lone spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The maiden launch of a private rocket from Indian soil was a success and it helped validate the company's technology and capability. This was an experimental launch to the Upper atmosphere and the company hopes to launch to space by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

The PSLV-C54 mission carried out on November 26th was carrying nanosatellites built by Indian start-ups Pixxel and DhruvaSpace. This is the first-ever instance of satellites built by Indian start-ups being launched on an Indian rocket.&nbsp;

On November 28th, start-up Agnikul Cosmos announced the inauguration of India's first private rocket launchpad and mission control centre. The facility is set up at India's spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and will soon witness the maiden launch of Agnikul's rocket.&nbsp;

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The two years of pandemic lull had disrupted several high-profile missions and launch activities of the Indian Space Programme. However, 2022 is a year when the Indian space sector recovered from the setbacks and also celebrated many well-deserved firsts.

The two years of pandemic lull had disrupted several high-profile missions and launch activities of the Indian Space Programme. However, 2022 is a year when the Indian space sector recovered from the setbacks and also celebrated many well-deserved firsts. The calendar year 2022 witnessed five launch missions, as opposed to two missions each in 2020 and 2021. WION brings to you the highlights of the Indian space sector in 2022 and the pathbreaking developments. The first launch mission of 2022 "PSLV--C52" was carried out on February 14th, to orbit the EOS-04 or Earth Observation satellite 4. It is a Radar Imaging Satellite designed to provide high-quality images under all weather conditions for applications such as Agriculture, Forestry & Plantations, Soil Moisture & Hydrology and Flood mapping etc. Weighing about 1710 kg, the satellite has a mission life of 10 years. The second launch mission of 2022 was executed on June 30th and it was done on a commercial basis for orbiting three satellites from Singapore. Dubbed "PSLV-C53", for the first-ever time the mission also demonstrated the use of the final stage of the rocket as an orbiting experimental platform or PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM). Generally, the fourth stage of the rocket ends up as space debris and this "POEM" method ensures better utilization of an in-space resource, by helping conduct onboard experiments. Notably, this mission also marked a return to normalcy, as ISRO permitted journalists to report on the launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre after a two-year-long COVID-induced break. In the third mission of the year, the Indian space agency was attempting to launch its all-new rocket - Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). SSLV is a three-stage rocket that is powered by solid fuels alone, thus making it relatively simpler and faster to manufacture, assemble and launch. It is the fourth in the series of India's operational launch vehicles and this rocket is aimed at offering launch-on-demand services. While the rocket performed its role of injecting the satellites in orbit, a software error in the rocket (as determined by preliminary analysis) caused the satellites to be ejected in an unsustainable orbit. This meant that the ejected satellites were lost and the mission was unsuccessful. On October 23rd, ahead of the festival of lights Diwali, ISRO launched India's heaviest rocket- LVM3 or GSLV Mk3 and the rocket carried its heaviest-ever payload. It was the first-ever commercial flight of the rocket, which has only been performing India's national missions since its maiden launch in 2017. 36 Internet communication satellites(weighing a total of approximately six tonnes) of UK-based firm OneWeb were launched successfully in Low Earth orbit by the LVM3. This marked a significant milestone as the LVM3 delivered successes in all five of its launches thus far. This mission and its follow-up launch will bring in Rs.1000cr in revenue to NSIL, which is ISRO's commercial arm. ISRO's final launch of the calendar year 2022 was the PSLV C54, which carried India's OceanSat or EOS-06 and a passenger satellite known as BhutanSat. This mission also carried satellites built by Indian start-ups and foreign customers. Private Sector in 2022 HAL-L&T, a consortium of Government-run and privately-run Indian firms won the contract to build five PSLV rockets. This enables the industry to carry out the end-to-end production of a rocket that has been the mainstay of India's space launch activity. The consortium bagged the Rs.860cr contract from NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO. In 2020, space sector reforms were rolled out by the Indian Government to facilitate end-to-end private participation in space activities. In simple terms, this meant that interested firms could design, develop, build and launch their own rockets, satellites and other space infrastructure from India. This was a radical step given that India's space sector has been dominated by the Government-run Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). On November 18th, "Vikram-S" a sub-orbital rocket built by Indian start-up Skyroot Aerospace took the skies from India's lone spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The maiden launch of a private rocket from Indian soil was a success and it helped validate the company's technology and capability. This was an experimental launch to the Upper atmosphere and the company hopes to launch to space by the end of 2023. The PSLV-C54 mission carried out on November 26th was carrying nanosatellites built by Indian start-ups Pixxel and DhruvaSpace. This is the first-ever instance of satellites built by Indian start-ups being launched on an Indian rocket. On November 28th, start-up Agnikul Cosmos announced the inauguration of India's first private rocket launchpad and mission control centre. The facility is set up at India's spaceport at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and will soon witness the maiden launch of Agnikul's rocket. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

2022: A year of many firsts for Indian space sector. Here's a recap

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 
 
Estimates from a 2015 World Wildlife Fund for Nature report suggest that there are only 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr, indicating its dwindling numbers. These mountain goats used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu but have been severely restricted to a few areas owing to habitat loss, biotic pressure, invasive species and climate change etc. A new project has been announced to protect and conserve the animal.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu Government issued orders for setting up "The Project Nilgiri Tahr", which aims to protect what is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;The government order detailed that the project shall be set up at a cost of Rs. 25.14 Crore ($ 3.03 million) and is to be implemented during a five-year period from 2022-2027.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-space-agency-isro-trains-31-foreign-engineers-in-nanosatellite-building-547145">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building</a>

The project will involve a&nbsp;multipronged strategy such as synchronised surveys to estimate numbers of Nilgiri Tahr individuals through the use of radio telemetry, radio collaring etc. The project will also have a major component to restore the fragmented habitats of the Tahr. Restoration of shola grasslands which is the major habitat for the animal will be taken up as a priority activity, the government order stated. In order to enhance awareness about the need for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, October 7th&nbsp;would be celebrated as "Nilgiri Tahr Day," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-trust-elon-musk-spacex-says-22-year-old-dev-joshi-on-his-week-long-trip-to-moon-545916">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk &amp; SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon</a>

Nilgiri Tahr is the only caprine (goat or sheep) species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The Tahrs inhabit meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300-2600 meters above sea level. The species can live in the wild for up to nine years, however, its typical lifespan is around three years, owing to high infant mortality rates. In captivity, the species can live up to 20 years and the Tahr can give birth to one lamb each year, after a six-month gestation period. Tigers, leopards and wild dogs are the primary predators that target the Nilgiri Tahr.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Nilgiri Tahr (locally known as Varaiaadu), a critically endangered mountain goat species is found in the forests of the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Estimates from a 2015 World Wildlife Fund for Nature report suggest that there are only 3,122 Nilgiri Tahr, indicating its dwindling numbers. These mountain goats used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu but have been severely restricted to a few areas owing to habitat loss, biotic pressure, invasive species and climate change etc. A new project has been announced to protect and conserve the animal. The Tamil Nadu Government issued orders for setting up "The Project Nilgiri Tahr", which aims to protect what is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The government order detailed that the project shall be set up at a cost of Rs. 25.14 Crore ($ 3.03 million) and is to be implemented during a five-year period from 2022-2027. Also read | Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building The project will involve a multipronged strategy such as synchronised surveys to estimate numbers of Nilgiri Tahr individuals through the use of radio telemetry, radio collaring etc. The project will also have a major component to restore the fragmented habitats of the Tahr. Restoration of shola grasslands which is the major habitat for the animal will be taken up as a priority activity, the government order stated. In order to enhance awareness about the need for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr, October 7th would be celebrated as "Nilgiri Tahr Day," it added. Also read | Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk & SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon Nilgiri Tahr is the only caprine (goat or sheep) species found in the tropical mountains of southern India. The Tahrs inhabit meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300-2600 meters above sea level. The species can live in the wild for up to nine years, however, its typical lifespan is around three years, owing to high infant mortality rates. In captivity, the species can live up to 20 years and the Tahr can give birth to one lamb each year, after a six-month gestation period. Tigers, leopards and wild dogs are the primary predators that target the Nilgiri Tahr. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's first project to conserve endangered mountain goat 'Nilgiri Tahr'

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology,&nbsp;nanosatellite design and testing. Nanosatellites are generally regarded as those weighing less than 10 kg.&nbsp;

Known as UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO (UNNATI), the training programme was conducted by experts and scientists from ISRO centres such as UR Rao Satellite Centre, Space Applications Centre, ISRO Headquarters, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit. The foreign officers/trainees who attended the programme are those with academic qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical/Electronics engineering.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight</a>

The 2022 edition is the third time that India is conducting the UNNATI programme and so far, a total of 91 participants have benefitted from the training imparted in all three editions. In addition to the theory classes, the participants were&nbsp;given the opportunity to integrate various subsystems of a nanosatellite. This included imparting the training to enable the participants to assemble, test and integrate low-cost nanosatellites.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-it-firm-cognizant-ties-up-with-indias-garuda-aerospace-to-make-smart-drones-545585">Also read |&nbsp;US IT firm Cognizant ties up with India's Garuda Aerospace to make 'smart drones'</a>

In its five-decade-long journey, ISRO has been carrying out its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man and addressing key issues of national development. As one of the leading space-faring nations, India has been actively associated with United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as a member of COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) since its inception.

In June 2018, UNOOSA celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50) in Vienna, Austria. It was on this occasion that India announced a capacity-building training programme, UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly &amp; Training by ISRO) on nanosatellite development.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology, nanosatellite design and testing.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has imparted nanosatellite assembly courses and relevant training to 31 delegates from 19 nations. Conducted by ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, which is responsible for designing and developing India's satellites, the two-months long training involved lessons on general satellite technology, nanosatellite design and testing. Nanosatellites are generally regarded as those weighing less than 10 kg. Known as UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO (UNNATI), the training programme was conducted by experts and scientists from ISRO centres such as UR Rao Satellite Centre, Space Applications Centre, ISRO Headquarters, ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit. The foreign officers/trainees who attended the programme are those with academic qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical/Electronics engineering. Also read | ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight The 2022 edition is the third time that India is conducting the UNNATI programme and so far, a total of 91 participants have benefitted from the training imparted in all three editions. In addition to the theory classes, the participants were given the opportunity to integrate various subsystems of a nanosatellite. This included imparting the training to enable the participants to assemble, test and integrate low-cost nanosatellites. Also read | US IT firm Cognizant ties up with India's Garuda Aerospace to make 'smart drones' In its five-decade-long journey, ISRO has been carrying out its mission of bringing space to the service of the common man and addressing key issues of national development. As one of the leading space-faring nations, India has been actively associated with United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as a member of COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) since its inception. In June 2018, UNOOSA celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE+50) in Vienna, Austria. It was on this occasion that India announced a capacity-building training programme, UNNATI (UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training by ISRO) on nanosatellite development. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian Space agency ISRO trains 31 foreign engineers in nanosatellite building

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24.&nbsp;

Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat&nbsp;way&nbsp;back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.

Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat&nbsp;as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later.

WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience.

An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'.

Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Read more:&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight&nbsp;</a>

"It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls.&nbsp;

The youngster says he cherished his&nbsp;interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook.

"He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together."

Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made.

Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture.

His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland.

"Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-start-up-partners-with-isro-to-develop-satellite-based-qkd-secure-communication-544849">Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication</a>

While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background.

Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey.

Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process.&nbsp; 
"Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say.

Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history.

While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task.

It&nbsp;must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme.

"I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home.

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24. Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat way back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later. WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience. An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'. Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace. Read more: ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight "It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls. The youngster says he cherished his interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook. "He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together." Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made. Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture. His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland. "Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says. Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background. Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey. Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process. "Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say. Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history. While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task. It must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme. "I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk & SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon

IT Consulting firm Cognizant announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace, to develop "smart drones". This is aimed at powering drones with advanced digital capabilities, achieving greater productivity. In real-world applications, it is set to bring solutions such as intelligent water and soil management, crop spraying, aerial planting in the agriculture sector; asset inspection, storm impact assessment, and fire safety in the energy sector; the drones can also be used for warehouse management in inventory audit, tracking products etc.

"Drones are not just about the hardware, it is a combination of hardware, software and firmware. Our goal is to make drones more intelligent and multi-functional and ensure that they can be pre-programmed for use in multiple scenarios. We expect the co-developed drones to be ready in six months" Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, of Garuda Aerospace told WION.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight</a>

Drone services are one of the fastest growing technology segments with the potential to provide extraordinary value to industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy and utilities, retail and logistics, said Achal Kataria VP &amp; India Country Head, Cognizant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-marines-deliver-holiday-gifts-to-underprivileged-children-in-chennai-544815">Also read |&nbsp;India: US Marines deliver holiday gifts for underprivileged children in Chennai</a>

"We are excited to collaborate with Garuda Aerospace, combine our deep industry knowledge with capabilities such as advanced data analytics, real-time insights and software development to elevate drone-based solutions and new use cases for enterprises across sectors" he added.&nbsp;

Such smart drones can be integrated into operations of a wide range of sectors including agriculture, mining, defence, factories, oil pipelines, industrial facilities etc.

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IT Consulting firm Cognizant announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace, to develop "smart drones". This is aimed at powering drones with advanced digital capabilities, achieving greater productivity.

IT Consulting firm Cognizant announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Indian drone firm Garuda Aerospace, to develop "smart drones". This is aimed at powering drones with advanced digital capabilities, achieving greater productivity. In real-world applications, it is set to bring solutions such as intelligent water and soil management, crop spraying, aerial planting in the agriculture sector; asset inspection, storm impact assessment, and fire safety in the energy sector; the drones can also be used for warehouse management in inventory audit, tracking products etc. "Drones are not just about the hardware, it is a combination of hardware, software and firmware. Our goal is to make drones more intelligent and multi-functional and ensure that they can be pre-programmed for use in multiple scenarios. We expect the co-developed drones to be ready in six months" Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Co-Founder & CEO, of Garuda Aerospace told WION. Also read | ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight Drone services are one of the fastest growing technology segments with the potential to provide extraordinary value to industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy and utilities, retail and logistics, said Achal Kataria VP & India Country Head, Cognizant. Also read | India: US Marines deliver holiday gifts for underprivileged children in Chennai "We are excited to collaborate with Garuda Aerospace, combine our deep industry knowledge with capabilities such as advanced data analytics, real-time insights and software development to elevate drone-based solutions and new use cases for enterprises across sectors" he added. Such smart drones can be integrated into operations of a wide range of sectors including agriculture, mining, defence, factories, oil pipelines, industrial facilities etc. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US IT firm Cognizant ties up with India's Garuda Aerospace to make 'smart drones'

India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament. However, there will be four crucial test flights that will be conducted prior to the actual mission, it was added.&nbsp;

Gaganyaan aims to launch an Indian rocket carrying a crew module with Indian astronauts to low earth orbit, where they would orbit for a few days and then return to earth by splashing down in the ocean. Originally targeted for 2022, coinciding with the 75th year of Indian independence, the project has been set back by delays owing to COVID-19 and related restrictions in 2020-21.&nbsp;

As per the information shared in Parliament by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, two initial test missions would be carried out using a Test Vehicle (TV). This would be followed by the uncrewed mission 'G1'(in the last quarter of 2023) and the second uncrewed mission 'G2' in the second quarter of 2024. "India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024," it was mentioned.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-second-spaceport-118-million-sanctioned-for-land-acquisition-setting-up-launch-infra-545119">India's second spaceport: $118 million sanctioned for land acquisition, setting up launch infra</a>

Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, ISRO had earlier told WION that the test vehicle is a newly-realised multi-purpose rocket to accomplish various tests and demonstrations. "This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash-land on water," Dr Nair had explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/100-indian-space-sector-start-ups-have-raised-nearly-250mn-in-funding-industry-body-543833">100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body</a>

While the two Test Vehicle missions are meant to demonstrate the performance of the crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions, the two uncrewed flights of the actual Human-rated LVM3 rocket are meant to validate the performance of the human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The human-rated launch vehicle will also be carrying a humanoid robot to test the crucial parameters throughout the mission.

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India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament.

India's much-anticipated and most sophisticated spacefaring mission 'Gaganyaan' Human Spaceflight is expected to be carried out by the fourth quarter of 2024, the government revealed in Parliament. However, there will be four crucial test flights that will be conducted prior to the actual mission, it was added. Gaganyaan aims to launch an Indian rocket carrying a crew module with Indian astronauts to low earth orbit, where they would orbit for a few days and then return to earth by splashing down in the ocean. Originally targeted for 2022, coinciding with the 75th year of Indian independence, the project has been set back by delays owing to COVID-19 and related restrictions in 2020-21. As per the information shared in Parliament by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office, two initial test missions would be carried out using a Test Vehicle (TV). This would be followed by the uncrewed mission 'G1'(in the last quarter of 2023) and the second uncrewed mission 'G2' in the second quarter of 2024. "India’s maiden human space flight ‘H1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024," it was mentioned. Also read | India's second spaceport: $118 million sanctioned for land acquisition, setting up launch infra Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, ISRO had earlier told WION that the test vehicle is a newly-realised multi-purpose rocket to accomplish various tests and demonstrations. "This vehicle will be powered by the engine of a liquid fuel strap-on motor used on the GSLV Mk 2 rocket, which is ISRO's trusted and reliable Vikas engine. During the test, it can carry the crew module to the required altitude depending upon mission requirements. Once the rocket and crew module separate, the crew module will be on its own and deploy parachutes to slowly splash-land on water," Dr Nair had explained. Also read | 100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body While the two Test Vehicle missions are meant to demonstrate the performance of the crew escape system and parachute-based deceleration system for different flight conditions, the two uncrewed flights of the actual Human-rated LVM3 rocket are meant to validate the performance of the human-rated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system, mission management, communication system and recovery operations. The human-rated launch vehicle will also be carrying a humanoid robot to test the crucial parameters throughout the mission. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight

Indian Startups in the space sector operate in diverse segments such as launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems, ground services etc. It was in mid-2020 that the Indian Government opened up the space sector to private firms and start-ups and enabled them to perform end-to-end activities. As of December 2022, there are 111 start-ups registered with the Government-run IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).&nbsp;

As per data from the Indian Space Association (ISpA), Indian start-ups have raised more than$245.35mn in funding. In addition to this,&nbsp;GalaxEye Space, a SpaceTech start-up focused on earth observation, announced on Thursday that it had successfully raised funding of $3.5 million.&nbsp;The fresh funding will help accelerate the launch of what they call the world's first multi-sensor satellite for earth observation. According to the company, their&nbsp;technology will enable the production of images with extremely high resolution via a small satellite constellation that, once fully operational, will provide global coverage in under 12 hours.

In a further boost to the space sector, the Indian Government is also expected to unveil the Space Policy in 2023.&nbsp;"The new ‘Indian Space Policy’ followed by the Space Activity Bill will be a complete game changer which will cover upstream and downstream activities and will help formulate a vision to bolster the investment climate in the private space sector. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for satellite manufacturing just like the mobile handsets and telecom equipment will further boost the private space ecosystem and help encourage new startups to come up" said Lt Gen. AK Bhatt(Retd), Director General, ISpA.&nbsp;

Outlining the top developments in the Indian Space sector in 2022, ISpA mentioned the awarding of a Rs.860cr contract to L&amp;T-HAL conglomerate for building 5 PSLV rockets, the pact of OneWeb with ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) to launch LEO satellites from India, the first private rocket launch from India etc.&nbsp;

In terms of the satellite sector, the significant developments were by the start-ups, this included the launch of the third&nbsp;hyperspectral satellite by 'Pixxel' and 'Dhruva Space' successfully validating its Satellite Orbital Deployer during the PSLV C53 mission. Dhruva Space also launched two nanosatellites for amateur communications in PSLV C54, Digantara built the world’s first commercial space weather sensor and Agnikul Cosmos established India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at Sriharikota.

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Indian Startups in the space sector operate in diverse segments such as launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems, ground services etc. It was in mid-2020 that the Indian Government opened up the space sector to private firms and start-ups and enabled them to perform end-to-end activities.

Indian Startups in the space sector operate in diverse segments such as launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems, ground services etc. It was in mid-2020 that the Indian Government opened up the space sector to private firms and start-ups and enabled them to perform end-to-end activities. As of December 2022, there are 111 start-ups registered with the Government-run IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre). As per data from the Indian Space Association (ISpA), Indian start-ups have raised more than$245.35mn in funding. In addition to this, GalaxEye Space, a SpaceTech start-up focused on earth observation, announced on Thursday that it had successfully raised funding of $3.5 million. The fresh funding will help accelerate the launch of what they call the world's first multi-sensor satellite for earth observation. According to the company, their technology will enable the production of images with extremely high resolution via a small satellite constellation that, once fully operational, will provide global coverage in under 12 hours. In a further boost to the space sector, the Indian Government is also expected to unveil the Space Policy in 2023. "The new ‘Indian Space Policy’ followed by the Space Activity Bill will be a complete game changer which will cover upstream and downstream activities and will help formulate a vision to bolster the investment climate in the private space sector. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for satellite manufacturing just like the mobile handsets and telecom equipment will further boost the private space ecosystem and help encourage new startups to come up" said Lt Gen. AK Bhatt(Retd), Director General, ISpA. Outlining the top developments in the Indian Space sector in 2022, ISpA mentioned the awarding of a Rs.860cr contract to L&T-HAL conglomerate for building 5 PSLV rockets, the pact of OneWeb with ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited(NSIL) to launch LEO satellites from India, the first private rocket launch from India etc. In terms of the satellite sector, the significant developments were by the start-ups, this included the launch of the third hyperspectral satellite by 'Pixxel' and 'Dhruva Space' successfully validating its Satellite Orbital Deployer during the PSLV C53 mission. Dhruva Space also launched two nanosatellites for amateur communications in PSLV C54, Digantara built the world’s first commercial space weather sensor and Agnikul Cosmos established India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at Sriharikota. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

100+ Indian space-sector start-ups have raised nearly $250mn in funding: Industry body

With the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Start-up Qnu Labs aims to demonstrate unlimited distance Satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based secure communications. QKD is a secure communications method, where the sender and recipient of a message produce a shared secret key and use it to encrypt and decrypt messages. The applications of this technology are primarily in the government and defence sectors, where the security and confidentiality of shared information are of paramount importance.&nbsp;

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangalore-based deep tech startup QNu Labs to develop indigenous Satellite QKD (quantum key distribution) products.&nbsp;

Terrestrial QKD systems have the limitation of the requirement of repeaters every 100-150 km which is a big hindrance in creating a large-scale Quantum Secure Network. With Satellite QKD capability, India holds the potential to become a world leader in creating Quantum Secure Communication Network, said IN-SPACe. It is expected that this&nbsp;collaboration shall ensure India leads the future of global quantum communication networks that will involve a combination of the quantum-satellite constellation, providing intercontinental connectivity.

Dr Prafulla K Jain, Director Programme Management &amp; Authorization, IN-SPACe, Department of Space, said, “QKD is an essential technology development that uses principles of quantum mechanics to ensure security to sensitive information shared among different parties. For a country like India, with the expansion of the space sector and with significant shifts in advanced technologies especially in network and communication domains, it is very crucial to have a robust ecosystem in place so that we have smooth operations without having to compromise any sensitive data. I hope that this partnership with QNu Labs will pave the way for stringent collaborations to strengthen India’s Quantum Secure Communication Network.

With its expertise in the aerospace and communications domain, ISRO&nbsp;will play a pivotal role in helping QNu Labs achieve this milestone by supporting payload designs, telemetry, and other related activities. IN-SPACe will facilitate QNu Labs to achieve the objectives. Earlier, ISRO had&nbsp;successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300m, using indigenously developed technologies.&nbsp;The demonstration by the space agency had included live videoconferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals. This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies.

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With the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Start-up Qnu Labs aims to demonstrate unlimited distance Satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based secure communications.

With the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Start-up Qnu Labs aims to demonstrate unlimited distance Satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based secure communications. QKD is a secure communications method, where the sender and recipient of a message produce a shared secret key and use it to encrypt and decrypt messages. The applications of this technology are primarily in the government and defence sectors, where the security and confidentiality of shared information are of paramount importance. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangalore-based deep tech startup QNu Labs to develop indigenous Satellite QKD (quantum key distribution) products. Terrestrial QKD systems have the limitation of the requirement of repeaters every 100-150 km which is a big hindrance in creating a large-scale Quantum Secure Network. With Satellite QKD capability, India holds the potential to become a world leader in creating Quantum Secure Communication Network, said IN-SPACe. It is expected that this collaboration shall ensure India leads the future of global quantum communication networks that will involve a combination of the quantum-satellite constellation, providing intercontinental connectivity. Dr Prafulla K Jain, Director Programme Management & Authorization, IN-SPACe, Department of Space, said, “QKD is an essential technology development that uses principles of quantum mechanics to ensure security to sensitive information shared among different parties. For a country like India, with the expansion of the space sector and with significant shifts in advanced technologies especially in network and communication domains, it is very crucial to have a robust ecosystem in place so that we have smooth operations without having to compromise any sensitive data. I hope that this partnership with QNu Labs will pave the way for stringent collaborations to strengthen India’s Quantum Secure Communication Network. With its expertise in the aerospace and communications domain, ISRO will play a pivotal role in helping QNu Labs achieve this milestone by supporting payload designs, telemetry, and other related activities. IN-SPACe will facilitate QNu Labs to achieve the objectives. Earlier, ISRO had successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300m, using indigenously developed technologies. The demonstration by the space agency had included live videoconferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals. This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication

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